I Left My Podcast in San Francisco

What does it mean to live authentically, embrace joy, and inspire others to do the same? In this special Transgender Awareness Month episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, host Franco Finn sits down with San Francisco Drag Laureate Per Sia for a heartfelt conversation about identity, community, storytelling, and resilience.

From growing up in South Central Los Angeles to becoming a performer, educator, community advocate, and the first transgender person to serve as San Francisco's Drag Laureate, Per Sia shares the experiences that shaped her journey. She opens up about transitioning, finding community, creating Drag Story Hour, and why she believes joy is one of the most powerful forms of resistance.This episode is funny, heartfelt, inspiring, and deeply San Francisco. Most of all, it's a reminder that living authentically can change not only your own life but also the lives of the people around you.

https://www.sf.gov/drag-laureate-program

https://www.dragstoryhour.org/chapters/san-francisco

Join us for a compelling conversation with Nikesh Patel, Director of the San Francisco Office of Cannabis, as he shares his journey from growing up in a Tenderloin SRO to becoming one of the city’s key leaders in cannabis regulation. In this episode, we explore how his childhood experiences shaped his commitment to public service, how his early internships at City Hall helped define his path, and what it really takes to regulate cannabis in a major city. Nikesh breaks down what the Office of Cannabis actually does, the challenges faced by local businesses, and why social equity is at the heart of the city's cannabis framework. We also dive into the newly passed cannabis café legislation and what it could mean for the future of hospitality, entertainment, and cannabis culture in San Francisco. Along the way, Nikesh shares personal memories, favorite spots around the city, and the moments that fuel his pride and love for San Francisco.https://www.sf.gov/departments--office-cannabis

https://www.sf.gov/departments--office-cannabis

In this episode, host Franco Finn sits down with San Francisco Public Works Director Carla Short for an in‑depth conversation about the people, systems, and stories that keep the city running. From her early years studying and working in West Africa to becoming a Certified Arborist and ultimately leading one of San Francisco’s largest departments, Carla shares how her passion for trees, community engagement, and environmental stewardship has shaped her career. She talks about what Public Works truly handles behind the scenes — from graffiti response and street cleaning to major civic construction projects and urban forestry — and opens up about the pride she feels in the diverse workforce that keeps San Francisco beautiful every day. The episode dives into the city’s 125,000 street trees, the CleanCorridorsSF deep‑clean initiative, the floating fire station on the Embarcadero, climate preparation, volunteer programs, and the neighborhoods and hidden gems that inspire her. It’s an insightful look at the heart of San Francisco through the work of someone deeply committed to caring for it.https://sfpublicworks.org/

Join us for an in‑depth conversation with Trent Rau, Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Services Agency (HSA), as we explore the programs, policies, and personal experiences that shape the city’s safety net for more than 275,000 residents each year. Trent shares his journey from growing up in Sacramento to leading one of San Francisco’s most impactful public agencies. He reflects on the early career moments that pulled him toward public service, the transformation of child welfare and foster care in the city, and the innovations that have helped thousands of families gain access to food assistance, health care, and supportive services.We also look at the challenges posed by HR1 and how San Francisco is responding to protect Medi‑Cal and CalFresh recipients. Trent talks about the creation of the CalFresh Community Works program, the launch of the Mobile Benefits Center, and the city’s commitment to ensuring benefits are accessible to those who need them most. This episode offers an inside look at the human stories, policy decisions, and community partnerships that keep San Francisco’s safety net strong.www.sfhsa.org

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kate Sofis, Managing Director of the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center. We dive into her upbringing in Buffalo’s symphony scene, her journey through manufacturing and public service, and how she now helps shape one of the country’s most historic performing arts campuses.Learn about the War Memorial’s venues, its evolving role in the city, crossover performances, community impacts, and why Kate believes San Francisco is one of the most welcoming places in the world.www.sfwarmemorial.org

Go behind the scenes of San Francisco’s transportation system with SFMTA Director of Transportation Julie Kirschbaum. From her Midwest roots to 20 years improving Muni, Julie shares how SFMTA keeps the city moving — cable cars, bus routes, bike safety, street design, parking, paratransit and more.We talk about free Muni for youth, the system’s financial challenges, her favorite routes, hidden gems in the city, and why San Francisco is such a special place.If you care about transit, equity, or the future of San Francisco, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, Executive Director Kelly Dearman of the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) joins us for a wide‑ranging conversation about accessibility, aging, disability rights, and the magic of growing up in San Francisco.We talk about her personal journey as a native San Franciscan, her family’s legacy in public service, and how DAS supports more than 30,000 older adults and people with disabilities through programs like IHSS, senior centers, meal services, culturally relevant food programs, and cutting‑edge accessibility initiatives.Kelly also shares insights into the Disability Cultural Center, inter‑agency collaboration, pandemic response, and her long‑term vision for making SF a city where everyone can thrive with dignity and independence.

Join us for an inspiring Latino Heritage Month episode as we sit down with Dr. Diana Aroche, Executive Director of San Francisco’s Department on the Status of Women. Diana shares her family’s immigrant journey from El Salvador, the cultural roots that shaped her activism, and her path through public health, violence prevention, and city leadership.We talk about the Women’s Agenda, maternal health equity, gender representation, policy wins, and her vision for a more inclusive San Francisco. Plus — her favorite Mission food spots, memories from the Chicano Moratorium, and the SF movie she loves most.

Meet Mike Levine, the new Executive Director of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. We dive into how the city is tackling homelessness, supportive housing, community partnerships, and the city’s multi-year procurement plan,. This episode explores public service leadership, the homelessness response system, supportive housing programs, nonprofit collaboration, and the future of San Francisco’s housing strategy. If you care about SF, civic innovation, public policy, or homelessness solutions, this conversation is a must‑listen.

Meet SF Comptroller Greg Wagner — the city’s financial watchdog keeping San Francisco running behind the scenes. From Ed Lee stories to street-cleanliness reports to Sunset hidden gems, Greg breaks down what the Controller’s Office REALLY does for our city.

http://sfcontroller.org/

A deep dive into the transformation of Treasure Island — one of San Francisco’s most ambitious redevelopment projects.

Host Franco Finn sits down with Executive Director Sheela Jivan of the Treasure Island Development Authority to explore housing, transportation, history, sustainability, community engagement, Bay FC’s new training facility, and the vision for a world-class island neighborhood.

Discover the past, present, and future of Treasure Island in this inspiring conversation recorded at City Hall.

Take a deep dive into San Francisco’s public health landscape with SFDPH Director Dan Tsai, who joins host Franco Finn in the basement of City Hall for an inspiring conversation. Dan shares his journey from transforming Medicaid nationally to taking on SF’s most urgent challenges — substance use, behavioral health, seniors, unhoused neighbors, and health equity. Learn how SFDPH’s 8,000 staff work across hospitals, clinics, street teams, and aging services to make San Francisco the healthiest place on earth for all people.We explore Chinatown’s 100-year-old health center renovation, new overdose recovery initiatives, the Living Proof campaign, and Dan’s favorite SF pastimes, including cycling over Hawk Hill and joining his first SF Pride Parade with DPH.www.sfgov.org/sfdph

Dr. Maria Su, Superintendent of SFUSD, joins I Left My Podcast in SF to share how her own journey—from immigrating as a young child to working in community nonprofits—shapes her commitment to expanding access and equity for every student in San Francisco. She explains how stabilizing the district’s finances, protecting educators, and aligning curriculum have led to rising literacy and math outcomes across SFUSD. Maria highlights several major initiatives transforming the district, including the opening of Mission Bay Elementary with its innovative STEM Hub, the creation of a new special education school that keeps essential services close to home, and the launch of a Mandarin immersion K–8 school driven by family demand. She also shares the excitement around programs like Freedom School, expanded transitional kindergarten, preschool options for three- and four-year-olds, and hands-on internships across city departments. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, this episode reveals how SFUSD is rebuilding trust, investing in innovation, and shaping the future of education in San Francisco. www.sfusd.edu

Go behind the scenes at San Francisco International Airport with Director Mike Nakornkhet, the first Asian‑American to lead SFO. From childhood aviation dreams to managing one of the world’s most beloved airports, Mike shares insights on SFO’s culture, future expansion, sustainability, the Gate Explorer Pass, and how the airport helps tell the story of San Francisco. If you love travel, planes, or the city itself, this episode is full of stories and inspiration.iflysfo.com

Join host Franco Finn as he sits down with Mawuli Tugbenyoh, Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, for an inspiring deep dive into equity, public service, and the work being done behind the scenes to uplift communities across the city.Mawuli shares his personal journey growing up in the Bay Area, how experiences like seeing Nelson Mandela speak shaped his passion for activism, and what the HRC is doing today to enforce civil rights, protect immigrant communities, and invest in San Francisco’s youth through programs like Opportunities for All.We also talk about food, hidden hiking gems, Ed Lee’s unforgettable jokes, and the vision for a more equitable and thriving San Francisco.

Take a deep dive into the San Francisco Fire Department with Fire Chief Dean Crispen, a 34‑year veteran dedicated to service, equity, and innovation. From drones and thermal cameras to a massive new Bayview training facility, Chief Crispen breaks down how SFFD is evolving to keep our neighborhoods safe. He also shares stories of bravery, volunteering at Ground Zero, and what it means to serve the city he grew up in.Recorded at City Hall for “I Left My Podcast in San Francisco,” this conversation highlights community preparedness, hands‑only CPR, youth programs, and the heart behind San Francisco’s firefighters.www.sf-fire.org

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, host Franco Finn sits down with Anne Taupier, Executive Director of the Office of Economic & Workforce Development, for one of the most inspiring conversations about the future of our city.We dive into: -The Vacant to Vibrant program that’s drawing 800+ small businesses to downtown-How SF is reinventing itself as a 24/7 mixed‑use neighborhood-Workforce programs like CityBuild and TechSF preparing residents for the jobs of tomorrow-Why San Francisco is the global capital for AI AND a powerhouse for arts and cultureHidden neighborhoods, new restaurants, and the rise of night markets-What makes San Francisco such a magnetic, resilient, and innovative cityIf you love this city, live in it, work in it, or are curious about its comeback — this episode is for you.www.sfgov.org/oewd

Join us for a powerful conversation with Becca Prowda, First Lady of San Francisco, as she shares the inspiration and mission behind One City Day — San Francisco’s brand‑new, citywide day of service happening July 11.In this episode, Becca explains why service is at the heart of the city’s future, how One City Day was created, and what it means for all 11 districts, Treasure Island, our parks, green spaces, and neighborhoods. We also talk about her journey in public service, her love for SF’s neighborhoods, and the importance of reconnecting as a community.Sign up for One City Day:Visit sf.gov and search “One City Day” to choose from hundreds of volunteer opportunities across the city.Let’s roll up our sleeves and show what our #OneCity can do together.

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Honey Mahogany, Director of the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives (OTI)—an activist, artist, entrepreneur, and public servant.

From growing up in the Outer Sunset and performing in musical theater and drag to practicing social work and shaping city policy, Honey shares a powerful journey rooted in service, community, and equity.

We talk about her San Francisco roots, her early social work at the Rainbow Community Center, co‑owning The Stud to preserve queer culture, and co‑founding the Transgender Cultural District.

She reflects on the surge in anti‑trans legislation nationwide and the resulting migration to refuge cities, updates to SF’s Fair Chance Ordinance to protect people criminalized for gender‑affirming or reproductive care and for performing drag, and the importance of representation inside City Hall.

https://sf.gov/transcitysf

In this episode of I Left My Podcast in San Francisco, we sit down with Dennis Herrera, General Manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). From his early days serving on city commissions to nearly two decades as San Francisco City Attorney and his leadership at the SFPUC, Dennis shares stories from a career dedicated to public service.

He reflects on landmark legal battles that helped shape California and the nation, including the fight for marriage equality, protecting immigrant communities, defending access to health care, and holding corporations accountable.

We talk about his transition to leading the SFPUC during a pivotal moment for the agency, the progress made on public power, environmental stewardship, and major infrastructure investments that will serve generations to come.

Dennis also reflects on leadership, public service, and the values that have guided his work on behalf of San Franciscans.

https://www.sfpuc.gov